Baker Mayfield Rumors: QB Won't Give Bucs Hometown Discount in Free-Agent Contract

After getting a deal done with one of their big three impending free agents on Monday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are turning their attention toward working out a new contract with Baker Mayfield.

Per The Athletic's Dianna Russini, Mayfield doesn't intend to take a "hometown discount" to stay with the Bucs as the two sides continue to negotiate.

Deryk Gilmore, Mike Evans' agent, told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday morning the five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver agreed to a two-year, $52 million deal to remain with Tampa Bay.

The three key players Tampa's front office was going to be focused on going into free agency were Evans, Mayfield and Antoine Winfield Jr.

General manager Jason Licht told reporters last week at the NFL scouting combine they were prioritizing new deals with all three players, but specifically talked about Mayfield's desire to remain with the organization.

"He had a hell of a year, and I am happy for him," said Licht. "He bet on himself too. He is an unprecedented player, and we want him to be a Buc for life and we are working towards that. Obviously, it takes two sides—I know he wants to be a Buc…A good deal, it takes some time for both sides."

If the Bucs can get a deal done with Mayfield before Tuesday, it would allow them to place the franchise tag on Winfield before the 4 p.m. ET deadline.

Mayfield is coming off a season in which he signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Buccaneers to rebuild his value after a rough 2022. The move paid off for both sides, as he led them to a third straight NFC South title and a playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Russini noted teams that could be in the market for a veteran quarterback, including the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings, are keeping an eye on what happens with Mayfield.

Interest from other clubs is only going to help Mayfield's leverage in negotiations with the Buccaneers. Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac is projecting the Pro Bowl quarterback to sign a four-year, $120 million deal this offseason.

Mayfield set career-highs with 4,044 passing yards and 28 touchdowns last season with the Bucs. It was the first time he started every game in a single season since 2020.